Side-flexing conveyor chain having twin transverse connectors

ABSTRACT

An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors together create a substantially open, planar support surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/732,141,filed Dec. 10, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the conveyor art and, moreparticularly, to a side-flexing conveyor chain with twin transverseconnectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conveyor systems are an integral part of modem production facilities.Such systems are especially beneficial in the food processing andarticle packaging industries, where it is often desirable to movearticles to and from different areas of the production facility toundergo various manufacturing/packaging operations. For example, manyfood manufactures require transportation of food items from a bakingarea to a position for final packaging. However, many of these items,such as breads and other baked goods require cooling prior to packaging.Additionally, these food products are often soft and fragile, therebyrequiring special care during transportation through the productionfacility to avoid damage.

In this regard, conveyor chains with rows of laterally repeating modularlinks create a substantially closed conveying surface are perhaps themost popular on the market today. Such a closed surface does not,however, allow the maximum amount of airflow to reach the underside ofthe articles being conveyed, which can be deleterious for items such asbaked goods being packaged at a downstream location. Moreover, theclosed surface also hinders the ability of dislocated crumbs or bits ofdebris to pass through the conveyor chain for collection, such to anunderguard assembly (see, e.g., commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.6,000,529 to Layne et al.) or to the floor for sweeping away.

In an attempt to remedy this problem, others have proposed chainconveyors with a pair of transverse rods extending the entire width ofthe conveyor chain between each corresponding pair of side links. Anexample is shown in FIG. 1. Although the conveying surface is indeedopen, the spacing of the transverse rods may not provide adequatesupport for smaller items being conveyed.

Additionally, many production facilities also have limited floor space,thereby making efficient use of the space available imperative. Thus,manufacturers are increasingly desirous of conveyor systems occupying assmall an area as possible. To do so, the conveyor chain must have thecapability to move product smoothly around curves, as well as alongextended runs.

Accordingly, a need is identified for a conveyor chain with asubstantially open conveying surface capable of providing full supportfor any articles being conveyed, including smaller ones that mightnormally pass through or become caught within an open conveying surfacecreated by spaced connectors associated with adjacent rows of links. Theconveyor chain would also be capable of negotiating turns or bends, andthus would allow for a possible savings in the amount of floor spaceoccupied in the production facility. Overall, a substantial improvementin terms of efficiency and operator satisfaction would result,especially when used in conveyed baked goods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a side-flexing modularlink conveyor chain comprises a plurality of links arranged in rowsspaced apart in a conveying direction. The links in at least a first rowinclude apertures and the links in at least a second row include slotsfor aligning with the apertures when interdigitated with the links inthe first row. A first elongated connector is associated with the slotsand the apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links andhas a dimension A in a direction transverse to the conveying direction.A second elongated connector extending between the links in the firstrow has a dimension B in the transverse direction. The dimension A isgreater than B, and may be greater than two times B.

In one embodiment, each link in the first row includes a receiver forreceiving an end of the second connector. The receiver includes an openend and a closed end. Furthermore, each link in the first row comprisesan apex portion including the slot, a pair of outwardly divergent legportions, a foot portion associated with each leg portion, and an armportion including the receiver. Each link may further comprise aplurality of apex portions, a plurality of pairs of leg portions, and aplurality of foot portions.

Each link in the second row comprises an apex portion, a pair ofoutwardly divergent leg portions including the apertures, and a footportion associated with each leg portion. Moreover, each link in thesecond row may include an arm portion. A receiver for receiving a thirdtransverse connector may be associated with the arm portion of eachlink.

In one embodiment, the links in each row are characterized by theinclusion of a depending arm having an inwardly extending tab forassisting in guiding the chain relative to a guide rail. The dependingarm on each link in the first row includes an opening for receiving alocking tab for retaining the first connector in place. In any case, thefirst and second connectors at least partially define a conveyingsurface of the chain intermediate the links in each row.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a modular linkconveyor chain is disclosed. The chain comprises a plurality of linksarranged in rows spaced apart in a conveying direction. The links in atleast a first row include first and second spaced apertures and thelinks in at least a second row include slots for aligning with the firstapertures when interdigitated with the links in the first row. A firstconnector associated with the slots and the first aperturesinterconnects the first and second rows of links, while a secondconnector extends at least between the links in the first row and isspaced from the first connector. A third connector is associated withthe second apertures of the first row of links.

In one embodiment, the second apertures in the first row of links areslots. The third connector may pass through third apertures formed inthe links of a third row and the slots of the first row of links. Thefirst connector preferably has a dimension A in the transversedirection, the second connector has a dimension B, and A>B. The thirdconnector may have dimension C wherein A is substantially equal to C.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a modular linkconveyor chain is disclosed. The chain comprises first and secondmodular links, each including at least one apex portion, a foot portion,a pair of leg portions connecting the apex portion with the footportion, and an arm portion projecting outwardly from the foot portionand including a receiver having an open end and a closed end. A firstconnector interconnects the foot portions of the first and second links,and a second connector includes a first end positioned in the open endof the receiver of the first link and a second end positioned in theopen end of the receiver of the second link.

In one embodiment, each modular link includes a plurality of apexportions. Each of the plurality of apex portions may be associated witha pair of leg portions. Indeed, at least one of the leg portionsassociated with a first apex portion may join a common foot portion withat least one of the leg portions of an adjacent second apex portion.Preferably, the first and second connectors are substantially parallel.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a modular link for aconveyor chain is disclosed. The link comprises an apex portion having apair of leg portions extending therefrom. The apex portion includes afirst aperture passing transversely therethrough. The leg portions eachterminate in a foot portion, each including a second aperture passingtransversely therethrough. At least one arm portion projects from one ofthe foot portions and includes a receiver having an open end and aclosed end.

In one embodiment, a second arm portion is connected to another of thefoot portions and includes a receiver. Preferably, the arm portions areoutwardly divergent. The receiver may be spaced from both the firstaperture and the second apertures in a conveying direction when mountedin the chain.

The first aperture may be an elongated slot, and a plurality of apexportions may be provided, with each including a pair of leg portionsextending therefrom. A first leg portion associated with a first apexportion is connected to the same foot portion as a second leg portionassociated with a second apex portion.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, a modular link fora conveyor chain having a conveying direction is disclosed. The chaincomprises an apex portion having a pair of leg portions extendingtherefrom. The apex portion includes a first aperture passingtransversely therethrough and the leg portions each terminate in a footportion. Each foot portion includes a second aperture passingtransversely therethrough. At least one arm portion projects from one ofthe foot portions and includes a receiver. The receiver is spaced fromboth the first aperture and the second apertures in the conveyingdirection when mounted in the chain, and the first and second aperturesand the receiver are preferably substantially coplanar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a prior art conveyor chain;

FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of a conveyor chain forming partof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of one link used in the chain of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the link of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5, 5 a, and 5 b show the manner in which a locking tab may be usedto retain a connector associated with the links of a single row;

FIG. 6 a is a top view illustrating the manner in which the chain iscapable of expansion and compression in the longitudinal or conveyingdirection;

FIG. 6 b is a top view showing how the chain of FIG. 6 a can also sideflex to negotiate curves or bends when negotiating a curve or benddefined by a pair of spaced guide rails;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the link of FIGS.2-4;

FIG. 8 is a top view of another alternative embodiment of a link for usein the chain forming one aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates one embodiment of theconveyor chain 10 of the present invention. The chain 10 is formed by aplurality of interconnected modular links 14 arranged in rows (threeshown, R₁, R₂, and R₃). The links 14 are spaced apart in both theconveying direction (see action arrow L) and a direction transverse tothe conveying direction (action arrow T). Each pair of laterally spacedlinks 14 is associated with at least two elongated, transverselyextending connectors 11 a, 11 b, one of which is shorter than the otherin the transverse direction (note dimensions A of the first connector 11a and B of the second connector 11 b, such that A is at least greaterthan B (i.e., A>B) and, more preferably, A is greater than at least twotimes B (i.e., A>2 B). As outlined further in the description thatfollows, the connectors 11 a, 11 b provide the often desirablesubstantially open conveying surface 12, yet one capable of providingfull, even support, including for articles having a relatively smalldimension in the conveying direction L.

Referring now to FIG. 3 to more fully describe the links 14 used in theembodiment of the chain 10 shown in FIG. 2, it includes a plurality oflaterally repeating sections, each having an apex portion 16. A pair ofleg portions 18 extend or project from each apex portion 16, preferablyin an outwardly diverging relationship. Consequently, a single laterallyrepeating section of the link 14 in this embodiment is substantiallyV-shaped in plan view, which of course means that a pair of the sectionsare substantially W-shaped. As should be appreciated, the upper surfacesof the apex portion 16 and leg portions 18 are adapted for engaging andsupporting articles for conveyance.

Each leg portion 18 is also associated with a foot portion 20. The footportion 20 is typically barrel shaped, and may include an upper surfacedefining a surface capable of engaging and conveying articles. In theusual arrangement, and although a chain 10 formed of links 14 of thistype is fully reversible, the apex portions 16 define the leading end ofthe link 14 and the foot portions 20 define the trailing end. In otherwords, the chain 10 is normally driven along an endless path in thedirection of action arrow L in FIG. 1, but can be driven in the otherdirection as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 5 a, and 5 b, each apex portion 16 providedin the link 14 includes a first opening or aperture in the form of anelongated slot 28. Furthermore, the foot portion 20 of each leg portion18 includes a second opening or aperture, such as a hole 30. The holes30 of adjacent foot portions 20 are thus coaxial, as are the slots 28when multiple apex portions 16 are provided (as is the case in FIGS.2-5).

As is shown in FIG. 2, when two links 14 spaced in the conveyingdirection L along each side of the chain 10 are interdigitated, thefirst connector 11 a passes through the slot 28 in each apex portion 16and the hole 30 in each foot portion 20. Consequently, the links 14 inadjacent rows R₁, R₂ are interconnected with each other in such arelationship. As discussed further below, the longitudinal freedom ofthe connector 11 a in the slot 28 is desirable, since it allows relativemovement among the rows R₁, R₂ of links 14 to take place and permits thechain to side flex as well as to expand and compress.

To hold the first connector 11 a in this position, it is retained in theouter side portion of each link 14. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS.5, 5 a, and 5 b, this is accomplished by providing the outermost footportion, or side portion 24, of each link 14 with a depending armportion 32 having a hole 35 co-axial with the hole 30 of each footportion 20. The hole 35 receives the first connector 11 a, and anintegral locking tab 36 is inserted within a slot 38 formed in the link14. As shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the locking tab 36 may include prongs39 to engage a corresponding circumferential notch 40 provided at eachend of the first connector 11 a. In the preferred embodiment, thelocking tab 36 is fabricated from a resilient or flexible material, suchas nylon. This construction allows the prongs 39 of the tab 36 to snaplock in the notch 40 for secure engagement and further allows thelocking tab 36 to be easily installed and removed.

The locking tab 36 also includes an offset release button 42 seated inan open-ended portion of the slot 38. The button 42 of locking tab 36assists in the installation and removal of the locking tab 36 from theside portion 24 when, for example, maintenance and repair is required.More specifically, a blade tool, such as a screwdriver, is tappedagainst the button to initiate prying action. Once sufficient movementis initiated, the screwdriver then provides increased leverage tofacilitate removal of the tab 36. The inherent resiliency of the tab 36allows the prongs 39 to disengage from the notch 40. To reinsert the tab36, the prongs 39 are directed into the slot 38. It can be appreciatedthat the resiliency of the tab 36 allows the prongs 39 to snap aroundthe notch 40. Thus, secure retention of the connector 1 a results.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each link 14 furtherincludes an additional extension for associating with the secondconnector 11 b. In one embodiment, this extension is in the form of asecond arm portion 21 projecting or extending from the innermost footportion 20 of each link 14. The arm portion 21 preferably projectsinwardly from each link 14, and includes a receiver adapted forreceiving one end of the second connector 11 b. In the preferredembodiment, this receiver is in the form of a “blind” pocket 22 havingan open end 23 a and a closed end 23 b (see FIG. 3).

As perhaps best understood with reference to FIG. 4, the pocket 22 ispreferably formed in an end of the arm portion 21 having a generallyD-shaped cross section such that a rounded leading face is provided.This end of the arm portion 21 is positioned such that the pocket 22 isspaced in the conveying direction L from both the slot 28 in each apexportion 16 and the hole 30 in each foot portion 20. The receiver orpocket 22, the slot 28, and the holes 30 of each link 14 are preferablysubstantially coplanar to create a planar conveying surface 12 (but notnecessarily one coplanar with the upper surfaces of the apex portion 16,leg portions 18, and foot portions 20).

The pocket 22 also preferably matches the end of the second connector 11b in shape, such that free relative rotation is permitted. However, itis also possible to fix the connector 11 b against rotation. Forexample, this may be accomplished by providing the second connector 11 bwith a key and forming a corresponding keyway in the pocket 22 (notshown), or vice versa.

Regardless of the particular arrangement, the first and secondconnectors 11 a, 11 b are in the usual situation substantially parallelto one another and, as seen in FIG. 2, arranged in a repeating patternto define the substantially open conveying surface 12 between thelaterally spaced side links 14. This conveying surface 12 promotescooling of products being conveyed (e.g., book bindings, baked goods,frozen items, etc.) and allows debris, such as crumbs, to fall throughthe conveyor chain 10 for collection. The open nature of this surface 12also greatly facilitates cleaning without compromising the requirementfor providing full and even support, including for small articles.

From the foregoing description, it should be appreciated from that achain 10 constructed as described above is capable of undergoinglongitudinal expansion and compression, as well as side-flexing tonegotiate curves or bends. In the former case, and with specificreference to FIG. 6 a, the links 14 forming two adjacent rows, such astrailing row R₁ and leading row R₂, can move toward and away from eachother. This is the result of the freedom of movement of the firstconnector 11 a associated with the hole 30 in each foot portion 20 of aleading row R₂ of links 14 in the slot 28 formed in each apex portion 16of the trailing row R₁. In addition to possibly eliminating the need fora catenary, the first connector 11 a of the leading row R₂ also acts toclose any gap with the second connector 11 b of the trailing row R₁. Asnoted above, the terminus of the slot 28 in each apex portion 16 isspaced from the pocket 22 in the conveying direction L so that nointerference between the first and second connectors 11 a, 11 b ofadjacent rows R₁, R₂ results during any such movement. Substantiallysmooth and effective compression and expansion thus results, which maybe controlled by adjusting the speed at which the chain 10 is driven(such as by using a variable speed electric motor to drive a shaftcarrying sprockets for engaging the links 14).

Likewise, FIG. 6 b shows how the chain 10 constructed as set forth abovecan undergo side-flexing as a result of the provision of a slot 28 ineach apex portion 20, with the first connector 11 a associated with afirst row R₂ of links 14 again moving toward and away from the secondconnector 11 b of the adjacent second row R₁. However, during sideflexing, it is of course the situation that one end of this secondconnector 11 b moves closer to this first connector 11 a than the other,which moves farther away as the result of the expansion of the links 14along the outside of a curve. In the usual case, the connectors 11 a, 11b remain unable to contact one another as a result of the relativespacing of the pocket 22 and the slot 28 (see FIG. 4).

To assist in guiding the chain 10, and with reference back to FIGS. 5, 5a, and 5 b, each link 14 may further include an inwardly projectingguide tab 34 associated with each depending arm 32. The guide tab 34captures the link 14 on the adjacent guide structure G and helps toprevent undesirable tenting. The tab 34 also assists in supporting thechain 10 when inverted along a return run forming part of the endlesspath. As shown in FIG. 5, the engagement surfaces of both the dependingarm 32 and tab 34 may be tapered to reduce the incidence of binding.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the link 14 isshown. In this embodiment, only a single apex portion 16 is provided.This apex portion 16 is associated with two leg portions 18, one ofwhich is associated with a foot portion 20 also defining the sideportion 24 of the link 14 and the other of which is associated with asecond foot portion 20. This second foot portion 20 is in turn connectedwith the arm portion 21 having the receiver, or pocket 22, at one end.This link 14 is thus fully able to accommodate both the first and secondconnectors 11 a, 11 b as described above, as well as the first connectorof an adjacent row of links (which passes through the slot (not shown,but see FIG. 4) in the single apex portion 16).

With reference back to FIG. 3, it is also possible to form a similarlink 14 without the depending arm 32 and inwardly projecting tab 34, asindicated by the dashed line D in FIG. 3. Such a link 14 may beassociated with a separate side guide link (not numbered) forming theportion to the left of line D. An example of such a guide link isdescribed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,693, the disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference, and is essentially shownin FIG. 5.

In situations where a particularly wide chain is desired, it may bedesirable to provide support for the first and second connectors 11 a,11 b between the side links 14. To do so, an intermediate link 50 may beused, an example of which is shown in FIG. 8. The intermediate link 50includes at least one apex portion 16 having a slot (not shown), a pairof leg portions 18, and a foot portion 20 associated with each legportion. An arm portion 21 projects outwardly from each foot portion 20and includes the receiver or pocket 22. Thus, a “second” connector 11 bmay be received in each pocket 22, while the first or regular connector11 a extending between the links 14 passes through the foot portions 20,as previously described. More than one apex portion 16 may of course beprovided, with a corresponding number of leg portions 18 and footportions 20 also being present.

The links 14 may be formed of any durable material, with UHMWpolyethylene, polypropylene or Acetal being preferred choices because ofthe high durability, relatively low weight, and low cost of suchmaterials. The first and second connectors 11 a, 11 b are preferablyfabricated from stainless steel. Using these materials results in asubstantially strong chain 10, and one that is not prone to oxidationand rust. However, the connectors 11 a, 11 b and links 14 may be formedof any material, including metal or other polymers.

Of course, the dimension B should exceed the distance between the openends 23 a of the pockets 22 to ensure that the second connector 11 bremains captured in use (see FIG. 2). In making the chain 10 when thefirst connector 11 a is already locked in place, the arm portions 21 ofeach link 14 may be flexed slightly to allow for insertion of the end ofthis connector 11 b. Alternatively, the second connector 11 b may bepositioned in the pockets 22 before the first connector 11 a isinstalled.

In summary, a conveyor chain 10 having a substantially open conveyingsurface for facilitating the cooling of products and the passage ofdebris while providing full and even support during conveyance isdisclosed. To do so, three connectors (i.e., a first connector 11 apassing through the hole 30 in each foot portion 20 of a trailing row R₁of links 14, a second connector 11 b extending between the links 14 ofthat row, and another “first” connector 11 a passing through a slot 28in each apex portion of the links 14 in the trailing row R₁ andinterconnecting with the links 14 of a leading row R₂) are associatedwith interconnected rows R₁, R₂ of links 14. The resulting chain 10 isthus readily adapted for conveying articles, such as baked goods. Theability of the chain 10 to side flex to negotiate curves or bends savesfloor space, while the ability to compress and expand in thelongitudinal direction eliminates the need for a catenary.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of the invention areprovided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to beexhaustive or limiting. Modifications or variations are also possible inlight of the above teachings. For example, the pocket 22 could be openat each end, in which case the second connector 11 b would simply passthrough it. Also, the pockets 22 could be constructed with a C-shapedcross-section (see FIG. 9) such that the corresponding end of the secondconnector 11 b is received in snap-fit engagement. The embodimentsdescribed above were chosen to provide the best application to therebyenable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosedinventions in various embodiments and with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications andvariations are within the scope of the invention as determined by theappended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to whichthey are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

1. A modular link conveyor chain capable of side flexing and including aconveying surface for supporting articles in a conveying direction,comprising: a plurality of links arranged in rows spaced apart in theconveying direction, the links in at least a first row includingapertures and the links in at least a second row including slots foraligning with the first apertures when interdigitated with the links inthe first row; a first connector associated with the apertures and slotsto interconnect the first and second rows of links and movable in theconveying direction within at least the slots so as to be capable offlexing in a transverse direction and compressing in the conveyingdirection, the first connector having a dimension A in the transversedirection and forming part of the conveying surface; and a secondgenerally parallel connector extending between the links in the firstrow and also forming part of the conveying surface, the second connectorhaving a dimension B in the transverse direction, wherein A>B.
 2. Themodular link conveyor chain according to claim 1, wherein each link inthe first row includes a pocket having an open end for receiving an endof the second connector and restraining movement of the second connectorin the transverse direction.
 3. The modular link conveyor chainaccording to claim 1, wherein each link in the first row comprises anapex portion including the slot, a pair of outwardly divergent legportions, a foot portion associated with each leg portion, and an armportion including the receiver.
 4. The modular link conveyor chainaccording to claim 3, wherein each link comprises a plurality of apexportions, a plurality of pairs of leg portions, and a plurality of footportions.
 5. The modular link conveyor chain according to claim 3,wherein each link in the second row comprises an apex portion, a pair ofoutwardly divergent leg portions including the apertures, and a footportion associated with each leg portion.
 6. The modular link conveyorchain according to claim 5, wherein each link in the second row includesan arm portion including a pocket for receiving a third transverseconnector.
 7. The modular link conveyor chain according to claim 1,wherein A is greater than at least two times B.
 8. The modular linkconveyor chain according to claim 1, wherein the links in each row arecharacterized by the inclusion of a depending arm having an inwardlyextending tab for assisting in guiding the chain relative to a guiderail.
 9. The modular link conveyor chain according to claim 8, whereinthe depending arm on each link in the first row includes an opening forreceiving a locking tab for retaining the first connector in place. 10.The modular link conveyor chain according to claim 1, wherein the linksare made of plastic and the connectors are made of metal.
 11. Themodular link conveyor chain according to claim 1, wherein the links aremade of acetal and the connectors are made of stainless steel, wherebythe acetal links are lightweight and provide superior wear resistancewhile the metal connectors promote cooling of articles being conveyed.12. A modular link side flexing conveyor chain including a conveyingsurface for supporting articles being conveyed in a conveying direction,comprising: a plurality of plastic guide links arranged in spaced apartrows, each link including at least one aperture having a direction ofelongation in the conveying direction; a first metal connector rodassociated with the apertures of the links in a first row and passingthrough the links in a second, adjacent row to interconnect the firstand second rows of links so as to be capable of moving toward and awayfrom each other in the conveying direction and side flexing in adirection transverse to the conveying direction; a second metalconnector rod extending between the links in the first row and spacedfrom the first metal connector rod; and a third metal connector rodextending between the first and second connector rods and forming aportion of the conveying surface; whereby the first, second, and thirdmetal connector rods facilitate cooling of the articles being conveyedwhile providing reliable support and without compromising the ability ofthe chain to side flex.
 13. The conveyor chain of claim 12, wherein thefirst and second connector rods are generally parallel.
 14. The conveyorchain of claim 12, wherein the third connector rod moves toward or awayfrom the first and second connector rods during side flexing of thechain.
 15. The conveyor chain of claim 12, wherein the third connectorrod does not touch the second connector rod during side flexing of thechain.
 16. The conveyor chain of claim 12, wherein the links are made ofacetal and the connectors are made of stainless steel.
 17. The modularlink conveyor chain according to claim 16, further including a pocket ineach link for receiving and restraining movement of the second connectorrod in the transverse direction.
 18. A modular link conveyor chain forconveying articles in a conveying direction, comprising: first andsecond modular links, each including at least one apex portion having anaperture with a direction of elongation in the conveying direction, apair of foot portions, each connected to the apex portion by a legportion, and a pocket having an open end; a first connectorinterconnecting the first and second links through the apertures; and asecond connector having a first end positioned in the open end of thepocket of the first link and a second end positioned in the open end ofthe pocket of the second link such that movement of the second connectorin the transverse direction is restrained, and a third connectorextending between the first and second links.
 19. The modular linkconveyor chain according to claim 18, wherein the links are made ofplastic and the connectors are made of metal.
 20. The modular linkconveyor chain according to claim 18, wherein at least one of thepockets includes a C-shaped cross-section for restraining movement ofthe second connector.
 21. A modular link for a conveyor chain,comprising: an apex portion having a pair of leg portions extendingtherefrom, the apex portion including a first aperture passingtransversely therethrough, the leg portions each terminating in a footportion, each foot portion including a second aperture passingtransversely therethrough, and at least one arm portion projecting fromone of the foot portions, the arm portion including a receiver; whereinthe receiver is spaced from both the first aperture and the secondapertures in the conveying direction when mounted in the chain.
 22. Themodular link according to claim 21, wherein the first and secondapertures and the receiver are substantially coplanar.